“These were wildfires on a scale we cannot imagine in Denmark. There are terrain differences over distances of 100 metres that make it impossible to use old-fashioned techniques to supply water,” Peter Kaas-Claesson, operation leader with the Beredsskabsstyrelsen fire service, said.

“A lot of force is needed to move water 100 metres uphill. What we are taking from this is how to establish and maintain limitation lines at major wildfires,” Kaas-Claesson continued.

Around 200 Danish firefighters in total have been deployed in Sweden – the biggest international operation in recent history, according to Beredsskabsstyrelsen.

Over 80 wildfires raged in Sweden at the same time at one point during July, and not all were under control. Swedish prime minister Stefan Löfven declared ‘extraordinary’ circumstances in the country as a result of the drought, and firefighters from several European countries were called to assist.

The situation has now improved significantly, according to Kaas-Claesson.

“It has rained a lot in the area. It was straightforward pouring rain, and that has a great effect on the fires, including those that were burning underground,” he said.

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